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Oregon Governor To Congress: Prioritize CHIP Funding Over Tax Cuts

The Hudson Family
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Oregon Governor Kate Brown says Congress needs to help the nation’s 9 million children, and fast.

In Eugene today, Brown said the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is due to lose its funding later this month.  She says lawmakers in Washington need to reauthorize funding for a program that helps 1 out of 10 children in Oregon alone.

“My concern is that right now they’re focused on making sure that they prioritize tax breaks for the wealthy and well-connected," Governor Brown tells KLCC.  

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
Governor Kate Brown, taken May 2017.

"In Oregon, our priority is the people, not the powerful. And we’re working hard to make sure that all of our children in the state have access to health care. 

"It’s time for Congress to get off their duffs and actually fund the program.”

Brown says families depend on chip funding to access doctors, prescription medicines, and treatments.

Congressional newspaper The Hillreports that House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Greg Walden of Oregon says CHIP funding needs to be part of a short-term funding bill expected this month.

Copyright 2017, KLCC. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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